Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, Patricia Appiagyei, has criticized the government for what she describes as a “backdoor reintroduction” of the Electronic Transaction Levy (E-Levy), despite its official repeal in April 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, Appiagyei argued that while the E-Levy has been formally removed, Ghanaians continue to face financial pressures through what she called “disguised digital transaction fees.”
She claimed that the current administration, despite campaigning on a promise to abolish the unpopular levy, has merely shifted the tax burden through alternative fees that effectively replicate the impact of the original 1.5% levy.
E-Levy’s Controversial Legacy
Introduced in May 2022, the E-Levy sparked widespread protests and became a major political issue in the 2024 elections. It imposed a 1.5% tax on a range of electronic financial transactions, including mobile money transfers and online payments. Following the election, the new administration announced its repeal, framing the decision as a relief for struggling Ghanaians.
However, Appiagyei contends that the financial burden remains, pointing to recent service fee adjustments by banks and telecom operators as evidence that the spirit of the E-Levy persists.
Call for Transparency
The Deputy Minority Leader called for greater transparency in the government’s fiscal policies, accusing the administration of misleading the public.
“Ghanaians should not be deceived into believing that the burden has been lifted when, in fact, it has just been repackaged. This is an issue of credibility and trust,” she said.
Appiagyei’s comments have sparked renewed debate over the government’s economic strategy, with some observers questioning whether the E-Levy repeal has delivered the financial relief promised to the electorate.
She urged the government to engage in open dialogue with citizens about any new charges imposed on digital transactions, insisting that transparency is essential for rebuilding public trust.
